Evan Duff

About Evan Duff

As President of North Carolina Wesleyan University since June 2020, I bring more than two decades of leadership in higher education to my current role. My mission is to advance academic excellence and student success by leveraging expertise in higher education administration, adult education, admissions, marketing, and industry-informed insights. Holding a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and certifications in career development and social media management, I collaborate with diverse teams to develop innovative programs and deliver impactful student support services. My leadership is grounded in building inclusive learning environments and empowering students to achieve their goals.Strategic vision and execution: Create organizational roadmaps, translate mission into measurable goals, and drive cross-functional initiatives to scale impact.Stakeholder engagement and collaboration: Build diverse coalitions, facilitate consensus, and manage multi-stakeholder projects with shared accountability.Financial stewardship and sustainability: Resource prioritization, cost control, and strategic investment to ensure long-term viability.Student (customer) success and stakeholder experience: Design customer/employee experiences, measure outcomes, and iterate programs to enhance satisfaction and results.Data-informed decision making: Leverage analytics and feedback to make evidence-based decisions and demonstrate impact.Talent development and inclusive leadership: Build high-performing teams, implement equitable practices, and foster an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.Change management and crisis leadership: Guide organizations through disruption, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and sustain morale and focus during transitions.External partnerships and community engagement: Develop strategic alliances, secure sponsorships or grants, and create mutually beneficial programs.Brand and reputation management: Tell compelling stories, build trust with customers and partners, and differentiate the organization in the market.Marketing, admissions, and audience insights: Understand audience needs, craft effective value propositions, and optimize outreach strategies.

Experience

1. President

   North Carolina Wesleyan University

   Jun 2020 — Present · Rocky Mount, NC, US

   Mission-driven university leader dedicated to advancing accessible, student-centered higher education. I guide a tight-knit, community-focused institution toward academic excellence, affordable pathways, and meaningful civic engagement. With a collaborative leadership style, I empower faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to co-create programs that prepare graduates to lead, serve, and innovate in a diverse, changing world.

Education

• University of Mount Olive

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration and Management, General

  1998 — 1999

• Nova Southeastern University

  Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Organizational Leadership

  2003 — 2007

• Central Michigan University

  Master of Science (MS), Administration

  2000 — 2001

Skills

• Teaching
• Time Management
• Higher Education Administration
• Resume Writing
• Student Financial Aid
• Social Media
• Academic Administration
• Higher Education
• Program Management
• Training
• Supervisory Skills
• Administration
• Career Development
• Microsoft Office
• Educational Leadership
• Recruiting
• Leadership Development
• College Teaching
• Staff Development
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Educational Technology
• Student Engagement
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Employee Training
• Strategic Planning
• Distance Learning
• Career Counseling
• Leadership
• Public Relations
• Organizational Development
• E-Learning
• Conflict Resolution
• Enrollment Management
• Qualitative Research
• Curriculum Design
• Admissions